Geriatric Depression Scale, including GDS-S and GDS-L

The Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-S) is a 15-question scale developed as a basic screening measure for depression in older adults: a score of higher than 5 indicates that a more thorough clinical investigation is needed. It is a generally valid measure of mild-to-moderate depression in Alzheimer patients with mild-to-moderate dementia.

The Geriatric Depression Scale Long form (GDS-L) is a 30-question scale developed as a basic screening measure for depression in older adults: a score of higher than 5 indicates that a more thorough clinical investigation is needed. It is a generally valid measure of mild-to-moderate depression in Alzheimer patients with mild-to-moderate dementia.

The GDS-S and GDS-Ls were developed by Jerome Yesavage, MD, and colleagues.